The Minnesota Supreme Court convened at Anoka High School in Anoka today as part of a biannual program that seeks to teach students about the court system and build the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch.

The state’s highest court heard oral arguments of an actual case, State of Minnesota v. Cortney John Edstrom (Case No. A16-1382), in front of nearly 850 Anoka High School students. The event was also broadcast on local cable television.

Following the oral arguments, members of the Court held a question-and-answer session with the students in attendance, shared lunch with student representatives, and spent the afternoon visiting classrooms to talk more about the state’s court system.

In the weeks leading up to the event, area attorneys volunteered in classrooms to help students understand the Supreme Court oral argument process and the case that was before the Court.

Since the Supreme Court convened oral arguments in Rochester, MN, in 1995, the school visits have been an important part of the Court’s efforts to improve public understanding of the judiciary’s work. The Anoka High School visit marks the 47th in-school oral argument for the Court.

“Holding oral arguments in Minnesota high schools is a great way for the Court to educate students about the importance of their judicial system,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. “My colleagues and I had a wonderful time visiting Anoka High School, and we are extremely grateful to the administrators, teachers, students, and volunteer attorneys who made our visit a success. Our hope is that students leave school today with a better understanding of the role our courts play in ensuring their rights and freedoms.”